Spanish is not considered a real candidate for the title in the first major competition on the tennis calendar.
Rafael Nadal conquered the tournament ATP 250 Summer Set de Melbourne on his return to the circuit after a five-month absence, by defeating the American Maxime Cressy (112º) by 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 this Sunday, eight days before Australian Open (January 17-30).
Nadal, 35, and No. 6 in the world, had barely played a couple of games in Washington since his semi-final loss in Roland Garros last June, weighed down by his recurring left foot problems. The Mallorcan, in addition, was infected with COVID-19 at the end of December during an exhibition tournament in Abu Dabi
Doesn’t feel like a favorite for the Open
Nadal claimed that he is not considered a real candidate for the title in the Australian Open although he pointed out that “in this sport things change very fast”.
“This year I have a approach different even though the expectations are always very high for all that I have won. Today is a day to enjoy the title”He explained at the press conference after his victory in the Melbourne Summer Set final.
The Spaniard remarked that so far it has been a “positive” start and commented that the final against the young American had been “the best game of the week where the movements have been more fluid ”.
“Today I have taken and subtracted well, he was a very uncomfortable rival. I’m quite satisfied on a personal level, ”he commented after adding his nineteenth consecutive season with at least one title.
Finally, the sixth ranked in the world narrated once again how he found out about his positive for covid and emphasized what happened “Four horrible days with a very high fever”.
“I started to feel very ill on the plane, but I didn’t think it was the virus because it had the negative PCR from that morning. Upon arrival I went directly to the hospital, for the safety of my relatives, and then I shut myself up at home ”, concluded a Nadal who will continue with his training sessions at Melbourne Park before starting the first major competition on the tennis calendar. (D)
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